The nominees for the 2015 Juno Awards were announced in Toronto’s Danforth Music Hall today, with MAGIC! , Kiesza and Leonard Cohen topping the list.

The full list revealed at the press conference by The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS)–the first event for this year’s 44th annual Junos that will be taking place on March 15 at the FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton.

“The fact that the Junos are in Hamilton is a testament to the love of music and the artists that come out of that city. When the Junos broke out as an arena show, it was in Hamilton. Hamilton kind of gave birth to the massiveness of the Juno experience that we know it now,” says Juno veteran Tom Wilson of Hamilton’s Blackie and The Rodeo Kings, who are nominated for Group Roots and Traditional Album of the Year.

The nominations were announced montage-style, Chris Hadfield and Toronto Raptor’s Kyle Lowry making guest appearances in the videos. Live readings of the nominations were presented by musicians such as Josh Ramsay from Mariana’s Trench along with Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland from Canadian folk band, Whitehorse. A surprise performance was made by Hamilton-based rock group Arkells.

Toronto-based reggae-pop group MAGIC! Leads with five nominations: JUNO Fan Choice, Single of the Year, Breakthrough Group of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Pop Album of the Year. “Hideaway” singer Kiesza follows closely behind with four nods for Single of the Year, Breakthrough Artists of the Year, Dance Recording of the Year, and Video of the Year. Leonard Cohen’s nods include JUNO Fan Choice and Album of the Year.

Artists with three nods each include Hedley, Nickelback and Serge Fiori. Hedley, Kiesza and Arkells are slated to perform. The legendary Rush will be receiving the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award.

Other nominees included Arkells, Chromeo, Mother Mother, Nickelback, and You+Me for Group of the Year. Breakthrough Group of the Year nominees are Adventure Club, Alvvays, MAGIC!, USS and Zeds Dead.

“I think the Junos are a good example of how Canada is supporting the [EDM] scene and it’s getting bigger. It’s great to see our community getting that recognition,” says Dylan Mamid, or DC, of the Toronto electronic duo, Zeds Dead.

The Junos are due to be doled out to be presented March 15 in Hamilton. The show is scheduled to include performances by Hedley, retro-electro dance starlet Kiesza of Calgary, and Hamilton’s own Arkells. Legendary prog-rock pioneers Rush will be on hand as well to receive the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award. The broadcast will air on CTV. More Juno performers are yet to be announced.

Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government has released its last budget before the fall federal election

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